Entry 13 November 12, 2013

Toronto's Rob Ford says he bought drugs in the last two years.

November 12, 2013
BBC News

At a recent council meeting there was a vote between the Councillors of Toronto on whether or not Rob Ford should take a leave of absence from his position of Mayor. The vote was 41 in favor of him leaving and 2 in favor of him staying one of the 2 votes being Rob Ford himself.  These votes cannot be used to force him to leave office but were taken in hopes of encouraging him to step down and deal with his personal issues. A determined Rob Ford stated "I'm most definitely keeping this job...I'm not leaving here" also stating he would run again in 2014 for Mayor.

In my opinion I think it is time for Rob Ford to step down.  I think some Toronto residents supported him initially when he admitted smoking crack cocaine but I think he is quickly losing that support.  He should work out his personal issues before he makes Toronto suffer.  I agree with the Councillors with their comments and votes on whether he should step down.  They brought up good points about embarrassing the city and not being able to focus on his job.  It is too bad that these votes do not mean anything and Rob Ford is too determined to stay in office.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24930133

Entry 12 November 4, 2013

Jellyfish taking over oceans, experts warn.

November 4, 2013
CNN News

Experts are warning people swimming all around the world of the increased possibility of being stung by a jellyfish.  They are saying that global warming, over fishing of it's predators, and pollution are the cause of the rapid increase in population of jellyfish.  In most cases the stings are not lethal.  However there are some types that have a lethal sting.  This increase in population is having a negative affect on tourism in many areas as people are scared to swim in the ocean.  "In Hawaii there have been times that 800 or 1000 people have been stung in a day.  In Spain or Florida it is not uncommon in recent years for a half a million people to be stung during an outbreak.  These numbers are simply astonishing."

In my opinion I think people could help reduce the population of jellyfish.  We could stop over fishing their main predators and reduce pollution in the oceans that also kills these predators.  Without these predators the jellyfish population will continue to increase.  I think if you educated tourists on safe areas to swim as well as what to do if they are stung it may help increase the number of tourists who will risk swimming in the ocean.  This in turn will help tourism.


http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/04/travel/jellyfish-taking-over-oceans/index.html?hpt=hp_c3

Entry 11 October 21, 2013

Florida shoplifter gets big surprise from cop who nabs her.

October 21, 2013

CNN News 

Last month in Miami Florida a single mom of three children was out grocery shopping when she made the decision to run off with a fully loaded shopping cart in an act of desperation.  Her children were hungry and she had no money to buy them food.  The supermarket called the police and she was confronted by Officer Vicki Thomas who decided not to arrest her for shoplifting.  She then decided to buy  $100 worth of groceries for her and here family.  "I made the decision to buy her some groceries because arresting her wasn't going to solve the problem with her children being hungry" the officer said.  The woman did not have a police record.  She was charged with a misdemeanor.

In my opinion I think the officer did the right thing by not charging her with shoplifting.  She was acting out of desperation to feed her family as she did not have the money to buy the food herself due to employment.  I think Officer Thomas showed good compassion by not only dropping the charges but also paying for groceries.  The Officer did ask this mom to "pay it forward" when she got on her feet and I think this sounds appropriate.  If somebody does something nice for you it is nice to do something nice for someone else.


http://pthumbnails.5min.com/10359653/517982614_3_570_411.jpg

Entry 10 October 17, 2013

Lionfish infestation in Atlantic Ocean a growing epidemic 

October 17, 2013
CNN News

Currently there is a problem concerning the amount of Lionfish living in the Atlantic ocean.  They are not native to the Atlantic ocean but were introduced by humans who dumped their pets into the ocean. The problem being seen is that they have no known predators, reproduce at a fast rate and consume a large amount of fish..  Marine scientists are saying that "the Lionfish invasion is probably the worst environmental disaster the Atlantic ocean will ever face." In an effort to reduce the number of Lionfish people are being encouraged to hunt them and eat them.

In my opinion I think they are making an effort by encouraging people to hunt and eat the Lionfish but I think the focus should be on the female first as they are the one reproducing at such a high rate.  If they could focus on curbing the population this would reduce threat to other species in the ocean.  Also since the problem originated from humans not understanding the impact this fish would have in the ocean I think there could be better education around this issue.  Pet stores and aquariums could assist in spreading the information about invasive species.


http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/18/tech/innovation/lionfish-infestation-atlantic-linendoll/index.html?hpt=hp_t3

Entry 9 October 15, 2013

Suspect saw Los Angeles airport dry ice explosions as a joke, police say.

October 15, 2013
CNN News

A baggage handler at the Los Angeles airport was arrested yesterday after setting off a dry ice explosive inside the airport.  He thought the simple bombs were "a game" and a " funny kind of joke" and he did not mean to harm anyone.  He did not have any political or other motives.  He was just having fun.  There was no damage or injuries in this incident however it has been taken very seriously  by police.  He is currently being held on $1 million bail and has been charged with "possession of an explosive or destructive device near an aircraft".

In my opinion I think that this should not be taken as a joke and that the police are doing the right thing by arresting this person.  Even though there was no real threat or injuries no chances should be taken and also they want to send a message that the airport is secure place to travel.  This may have been a joke but with the increasing number of terror attacks in the US this type of act must be taken very seriously.



http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/16/travel/los-angeles-airport-dry-ice-arrest/index.html?hpt=hp_t3

Entry 8 October 7, 2013

Bangladesh clothing factory hit by deadly fire. 

October 7, 2013 

BBC News

There are at least nine people reported killed in a factory fire near Bangladesh's captial city Dhaka.  The factory produces clothing and the fire started in the knitting section.  The cause of the fire right now is unknown.  There are 3000 workers that work in this factory and most had left for the day when the fire started.  Some were working overtime and were trapped when the flames engulfed the factory. There is a severe lack of water and nearby fire stations which made it very difficult to control and fight the huge fire.  This is one of many similar disasters that has happened to a Bangladesh garment factory in the last year.

In my opinion there needs to be more fire safety standards put in place at all factories in Bangladesh.  Like sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers.  Also staff should be trained on what to do in case of such an emergency.  I also think that the companies who purchase goods from these factories in other countries should ensure that the staff are working in a safe environment.  Where needed they should be financially helping to cover the costs bring the factory up to safety code.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24453165

Entry 7 October 3, 2013

US Shutdown:  Defense Staff Told To Return To Work

October 3, 2013
BBC News

Next week most of the 400,000 defense staff sent home last week as a result of the shutdown will return to work.  They are being allowed back to work because of the Pay Our Military Act.  This act allows for workers "whose responsibilities contribute to the morale, well-being, capabilities and readiness of service members" to remain on the job. Even though these workers are going  back to work there is still no sign that the Republicans and Democrats are any closer to agreeing on the budget.  The next important date is October 17th where if US Congress does not agree to raise the borrowing limit the US could default on their loans for the first time in history.  This would be a very significant event.

I agree that the defense staff should be allowed back to work.  I think that by not letting them go back to work it shows that there is a vulnerability of the American people both in America and in other places in the world where service workers are stationed.  I don't think these jobs should have been shutdown in the first place considering how important defense is in America right now.  Plus I think it is good that these workers will be paid again.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24415556

Entry 6 October 1, 2013

Russia Charges Greenpeace Activists With Piracy

October 1, 2013
BBC News

Fourteen activists representing Greenpeace were charged with piracy by Russian authorities.  These activists were among a group of 30 people protesting the drilling for oil in the Arctic.  This happened about one month ago when two of the protesters tried to board a boat owned by a company called Gazprom. Greenpeace has called the charges "irrational, absurd and an outrage."  They have now been charged with "piracy of an organised group" and if found guilty could carry a 15 year sentence.  Greenpeace argues that they were just peacefully protesting against oil drilling.

In my opinion I think that boarding a boat to get your point across was over the top and not the way to support their protest against the oil drilling.  They could have chose a less intrusive way to get their point across.  However I also think that the charges placed upon the Greenpeace activists are much too high as there were no piracy acts committed and there was no harm done to the Gazprom workers.  It seems a bit much to give them a 15 year sentence for the intent of peaceful protesting.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24362817

Entry 5 September 27, 2013

US shares close lower on threat of a shutdown.

September 27,2013 

BBC News 

Presently there is a big political problem in the USA concerning the threat of a government that will shut down some of their activities if they can't agree on a new spending bill by midnight October 1st.  The threat of this looming shutdown caused the stock market in the US to plummet.  Barack Obama said that such a shutdown would have a very real impact on the American people.  As many as one third of 2.1 million government employees could be out of work with no guarantee of pay after the shut down is over.  Some services that would close include national parks and visa/passport applications.  Certain essential programs like food inspectors and air traffic controllers would not stop working.  One big issue that they can't agree on is healthcare and Obama is refusing to cut back on these services as an option.

In my opinion I think that a shut down is a bit extreme and will be very difficult for those who jobs will be temporarily cut.  This could lead to violence and hatred towards the government.  The government needs to agree on the spending bill .  If they were to cut areas it should not be health care as this is really needed by the American people.  They could look at cutting back on their spending on wars being fought in other countries.

http://localtvwhnt.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/countdowntoshutdown400x225.jpg?w=400

Entry 4 September 23, 2013

'Fat letters' from school to parents are wrong

September 23, 2013
CNN News

Elementary schools in 19 states in America have just recently decided that letters will be sent home to parents identifying their child's BMI - body mass index.  They have hired dietitians to take the weight and height of students in order to provide this calculation.  Students are rated on the following scale: underweight, healthy weight, overweight and obese.  The issue with BMI is that  it does not tell the difference between muscle and fat.  There is a debate over whether this is an accurate measure at all of a healthy weight. Parents are concerned about how this will affect their child's self esteem and how other's will view them.  They are also wondering what business this is of the school's.  The students themselves vary between not caring and taking this very personally.

My opinion is that I don't believe it should be the schools deciding whether a student is obese or a healthy weight.  They should be more focused on the learning environment and activities to assist students in getting their daily exercise.  A child's weight should be managed by their doctor with parent involvement only.  Also I think by doing this there will be a higher risk for children wanting to diet, binge eat, or starve themselves. It is well known that America does have a high child obesity rate but I think this approach is a bit over the top by having the focus of weight be brought into the schools.

Entry 3 September 19, 2013

Iran's President calls for 'constructive' dialogue, end to 'unhealthy' rivalries.

 September 19, 2013
 CNN News 

Today newly elected Iranian president Hassan Rouhani offered to make a  peaceful approach to fixing the unhealthy relationship between the USA and Iran.  He wants to settle the tension between the US and Iran by working together to stop the violence towards each other. He stated encouraging words like "to move beyond impasses we need to aim higher" and "rather than focusing on how to prevent things from getting worse we need to think and talk about how to make things better". This sounds very fishy to the US government as they say he is a wolf in a sheep costume but they do hope that this is the truth.  This would not be the first time a leader from a country lied or offended the US government.

My opinion on the issue is that the US should not trust a word that Hassan Rouhani is saying.I say this because it sounds almost too good to be true.  That all of a sudden he wants to work with the USA and other countries on good relations and in making a peaceful relationship where in the past it was not this way.  I think that the US should not let down their guard.  I think they should proceed with caution and let Hassan Rouhani prove himself before trusting and proceeding with any talks.


http://www.euronews.com/wires/reuters/images/2013-09-19T191156Z_1_CBRE98I1HC000_RTROPTP_3_OUKWD-UK-IRAN-NUCLEAR-ROUHANI-ISRAEL.JPG

Entry 2 September 17, 2013

Washington Navy Yard shooting: Capitol Police to review response. 

September 17, 2013
BBC News

On Monday Aaron Alexis, 34, shot and killed 12 people at the Washington Navy Yard.  In a BBC report it is being said that a highly trained and heavily armed four-man Emergency Response team was on site but was told to leave the scene by their commander.  If the team were to have stayed and entered the Navy Yard there was a much higher chance that less lives would have been lost.  The Capitol Police Forces Chief Kim Dine has asked it to conduct "a comprehensive, independent review of the facts surrounding the Capitol Police's response to the Navy Yard Shootings."

In my opinion before pointing fingers at the commander who allegedly ordered his team to leave the scene there needs to be a full investigation into the facts.  But if what the BBC report is saying is to be true I would agree that these men should not have been pulled as there could have been early intervention of the shooter before lives were lost.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24155567

Entry 1 September 11, 2013

Syria crisis: Barack Obama put military strike on hold

September 11, 2013
BBC News

Today Barack Obama made an important decision to hold off any military strikes against Syria.  He wants to hold the attack to try to find a peaceful way to bring Mr Assad's government to justice.  He does not however want to delay in acting out against this chemical attack and that Assad can continue with this attacks upon his own people.  He has both countries supporting his solution and others not wanting to take action.  Instead of attacking Obama wants to extract the remaining chemical weapons from Syria.  Obama is giving them 15 day to give all of the chemical weapons over.

I agree with Obama's decision to hold off on a military attack and to try to seek a peaceful resolution with Syria.  I say this because I think if the United States attacked Syria it would give Mr Assad a reason to continue with his chemical attacks on this own people as well of possibly other countries.  But this could also turn back on Obama depending on how much time it takes to extract the chemical weapons from Assad.  The more time this takes Assad could be planning for more attacks.

http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.1439994!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_635/syriagraphic-b.jpg